Tag: Windows 11 24H2

  • Windows 11 Update Removes Support for Some CPUs, Users Safe

    Windows 11 Update Removes Support for Some CPUs, Users Safe

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has discontinued support for 8th, 9th, and 10th generation Intel CPUs with the Windows 11 24H2 update.
    2. PC manufacturers must use at least an Intel 11th generation CPU for new systems to be compatible with Windows 11 24H2.
    3. Users with older Intel CPUs can still update to Windows 11 24H2 without issues.
    4. All removed processors support TPM 2.0, which is required for Windows 11 installation.
    5. Microsoft has removed its official guide for installing Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 verification, making it harder for users to find this information.

    With the latest Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft has decided to discontinue support for certain Intel processors that were previously compatible. Specifically, the 10th, 9th, and 8th generation Intel CPUs are no longer supported with this update. However, users won’t be affected by this change, which is a relief.

    OEMs Guidance

    The decision to remove these CPUs has raised some questions, but the revised list of compatible processors is meant for OEMs. This list acts as a guideline for manufacturers, helping them determine which Intel processors they should use in new system builds.

    Consequently, PC manufacturers must utilize at least an Intel 11th generation CPU to ensure their systems are prepared for Windows 11 24H2 (Core Ultra 7 265K curr. $370.15 on Amazon). Users who currently have systems with the removed Intel processors can still proceed with the update, and their devices will continue to function properly.

    TPM 2.0 Requirement

    Regarding the processors that have been taken off the official support list, they all feature support for TPM 2.0, which is essential for installing Windows 11. The minimum system requirements for the operating system remain unchanged, so it is puzzling that Microsoft chose to drop these CPUs from the list.

    Nonetheless, Microsoft has made some questionable decisions regarding their support policies. Recently, the company also took down its official guide that helped users install Windows 11 without going through the TPM 2.0 verification. Although the installation method is still functional, removing the guide from the official support website may make it somewhat harder for users to find the necessary steps.

    Source:
    Link

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  • Microsoft Forcefully Upgrading PCs to Windows 11 24H2

    Microsoft Forcefully Upgrading PCs to Windows 11 24H2

    Windows 11 24H2 Update is Rolling Out

    The Windows 11 24H2 update has arrived and it’s headed for your computer whether you want it or not, sorta. Microsoft has changed its update plan for Windows 11 24H2, the newest version of its desktop OS. Since October 2024, this update has been available as an optional upgrade, but starting January 16, 2025, things will be different. Microsoft has started automatically downloading and installing Windows 11 24H2 on compatible devices running Windows 11.

    Who is Affected?

    This mandatory update is only for consumer PCs that are running Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. If you have an enterprise version, you can relax for the time being. Microsoft is also using a phased rollout, meaning not everyone will get the update notification at the same time. They plan to gradually distribute the update to a smaller group of users first, keeping an eye out for bugs and problems before making it available to more people.

    Why This Approach?

    The reason for this strategy appears to be to create a smoother updating process. By taking this careful route, Microsoft can find and fix any big issues that come up prior to a broader launch. This measured rollout also allows them to collect feedback from early users and tackle any compatibility issues that arise.

    If you’re eager to get the update sooner, you can manually check for it. Just go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” If your device is compatible and Microsoft has enabled it for your account, you will see the option to download and install version 24H2.

    Glitches and Precautions

    Some users have reported glitches with Windows 11 24H2, especially concerning games, but Microsoft claims most of these problems have been sorted out with recent updates. However, the chance for new, unexpected issues still exists with significant updates. If you tend to be cautious, you can utilize the “Pause Updates” feature in Windows Update to postpone the update for up to five weeks. This gives you extra time to research and ensure that your essential software will work with the new version of Windows.

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  • Flyby11: Update Windows 11 on Older Hardware Easily

    Flyby11: Update Windows 11 on Older Hardware Easily

    Known for useful open-source tools like the xd-AntiSpy privacy application and the now sadly discontinued ThisIsWin11 system tweaker, Belim has just released another helpful free tool for Windows users globally. This time, it’s a simple patcher that enables updates to Windows 11 24H2 on hardware that isn’t officially supported. The tool, named Flyby11, is not suitable for fresh installations, but it’s great for those looking to upgrade.

    How to Use Flyby11

    Flyby11 does not include an installer, so users who wish to use it must download the latest version from GitHub. After downloading, they need to extract the files into a folder, run the application, and then choose between two upgrade methods: server setup or registry changes.

    For the first method, users should select the Fido script option, and after downloading the most recent 24H2 ISO from Microsoft, the process should be straightforward, as it is well guided. If this method does not work, there is a second option that might be effective.

    Benefits of Flyby11

    Even for users with fully compatible hardware, Flyby11 can help automate the process of downloading the Windows 11 24H2 ISO, making the upgrade process quicker and easier overall.

    In other news, the second edition of Windows 11 For Dummies, written by Alan Simpson, is set to be released on Amazon on November 20th. Those who are interested can pre-order it now for $15 (Kindle edition) or $24.99 (paperback version).

    Flyby11 (available on GitHub, via gHacks Technology News)

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  • Windows 11 Update Troubles for Western Digital SSD Users

    Windows 11 Update Troubles for Western Digital SSD Users

    Microsoft has rolled out its newest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, which introduces various AI features and enhancements. However, users with Western Digital NVMe SSDs are reporting significant problems, including frequent blue screen of death (BSOD) crashes.

    Affected Models

    The issues appear to be primarily with the WD Black SN770 and WD Blue SN580 SSDs, which do not utilize a DRAM-based cache. Instead, these models depend on the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) that was introduced with NVMe standard version 1.2. This allows the SSDs to use system RAM as a cache, typically utilizing about 64MB of it.

    Unexpected Changes

    With the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, however, the system has begun reserving as much as 200MB for I/O caching. This is a significant increase from the usual 64MB, and that extra 136MB seems to be causing instability in the SSDs, leading to the recurring BSOD errors.

    Western Digital’s user forums are filled with complaints regarding these issues. Many users found that reverting back to the previous Windows 11 version (23H2) resolves the crashes, indicating that the new update might be at fault.

    Ongoing Issues

    This situation reflects a larger trend with Microsoft’s updates. Since the company switched from traditional testing methods to the Windows Insider program, it appears that ordinary users are becoming unintended beta testers. While some updates offer performance improvements, others, like this recent one, can create system instability.

    For those affected, there is a workaround that involves making registry adjustments to limit HMB to 64MB or even turn it off entirely. While this could reduce performance during heavy file transfers, it should help stabilize Windows 11 24H2 after you restart the system.

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  • Windows 11 24H2 Released: New AI Features and Enhancements

    Windows 11 24H2 Released: New AI Features and Enhancements

    As previously stated, the well-known Windows Recall feature is making its return, but not for everyone (more on this shortly). It’s important to note that this isn’t a minor update; it’s included in Windows 24H2, which is also referred to as Windows 11 2024. This update for personal users also introduces Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. While Windows 24H2 is set to receive two years of support, the business version is granted five years (the IoT variant enjoys a whole decade).

    Key Features of Windows 11 24H2

    Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Recall feature is returning, but it will do so gradually. Windows Insiders utilizing Snapdragon devices will be able to access this feature later this month, while users on Intel and AMD platforms will need to wait until November. Information on the feature’s wider release will be shared in the coming months.

    Update Rollout Process

    Even though it was released yesterday, the newest feature update for Windows 11 will take some time to reach all eligible devices. Microsoft has mentioned that this will be

    "a phased rollout that will begin over the coming weeks, starting with eligible devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and 23H2 that have the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” set to On." If the update is ready for your device, it will automatically download and install."

    Quick Update Options

    For those who can’t wait, there’s an option to create installation media using the Media Creation Tool or to use the Windows 11 installation assistant for a quicker update process.

    Windows Experience Blog

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  • Windows 11 24H2 Drops Support for AC-3 Dolby Digital Audio Codec

    Windows 11 24H2 Drops Support for AC-3 Dolby Digital Audio Codec

    Microsoft has recently announced in a quarterly support document that starting with version 24H2, Windows 11 will no longer support the AC-3 audio codec. This codec, also known as Dolby Digital, is used for multi-channel audio or surround sound. Despite this change, OEMs will still have the option to pre-install the AC-3 codec.

    Impact on Media Player and Streaming Platforms

    With this update, users will no longer be able to open files that use the AC-3 codec with the Media Player in Windows 11 24H2. It's worth noting that most streaming platforms and media companies are moving away from the AC-3 encoder, as it is being phased out.

    Additional Codec Packs from Microsoft Store

    For those who still need to access files with the AC-3 codec, there are options available. Users can manually install the codec from the Microsoft Store or opt for a third-party player such as the MPV player that supports the codec.

    Other Exclusions in Windows 11 24H2

    In addition to the AC-3 encoder, the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 will reportedly exclude other features such as Cortana, WordPad, and Steps Recorder.

    Release Timeline

    The Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100.712) was made available in the Release Preview Channel on May 22. It is expected to be released to the general public later this year, likely around September or October.

    Included Codecs in Windows 11 24H2

    The following audio and video codecs will be included in Windows 11 24H2:

    • Audio Codecs: MPEG-1, MPEG-2 Audio (MP3, MP2), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC, M4A), Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC), Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), Waveform (WAV), Windows Media Audio (WMA), 3GP, 3G2, Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR)
    • Video Codecs: MPEG-4, H.264, H.263, VC-1, Windows Media Video (WMV), DV, VP8, Motion JPEG

    Installable Codec Packs from Microsoft Store

    For additional codec support, users can install various codec packs from the Microsoft Store. These include:

    • MPEG-2 Video Extensions
      • Adds support for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video formats.
    • HEVC Video Extensions
      • Adds support for HEVC (H.265) video format.
    • VP9 Video Extensions
    • Adds support for VP9 video format.
    • AV1 Video Extensions
      • Adds support for AV1 video format.
    • Web Media Extensions
      • Adds support for OGG audio and video formats, including the OGG container format, the Vorbis audio codec, and the Theora video codec.
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